By Michaela Gordoni
Studies report that one month of abstaining from alcohol will leave you feeling in a better mood, more rested and healthier overall.
A study by Brown University’s School of Public Health and Warren Alpert Medical School examined participants from their own study and 16 others who cut out alcohol completely for “Dry January.”
They reported improved sleep, mood, weight loss, liver function and blood pressure. They also reported better concentration and more energy.
“The effort leads to sustained moderation: most participants continue to drink less alcohol rather than increasing consumption afterwards,” said Megan Strowger, who led the project at the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies within Brown’s School of Public Health. “Overall, participating in Dry January allows people to pause, reflect and rethink their relationship with alcohol, including how it affects their social life, mental health and physical health.”
The Dry January movement started in the UK in 2013 and has spread worldwide. A Gallup poll recently reported that only 54% of US adults consume alcohol, which is the lowest percentage that Gallup has ever reported.
Related: Dry January: How a Month of Sobriety Improves Your Health
“There is so much more support now for living an alcohol-free lifestyle,” said study author Suzanne M. Colby, professor of behavioral and social sciences at Brown. “It is more socially acceptable than ever to be ‘sober curious’ or alcohol free. Social norms have shifted, in part with the help of influencers on social media sharing the benefits of sobriety and reducing the stigma of not drinking.”
This month, the movement has been popular in Montana, which has been ranked as one of the “drunkest states” in America, as people turn to nonalcoholic beers.
“We are noticing trends with customers today wanting lower-alcohol options or nonalcoholic options,” said Jenny Cade, marketing and events planner for Montana’s Map Brewing company.
“Recover Elevator” podcast host and former Montana alcoholic Paul Churchill said, “I am also seeing an explosion of alcohol-free offerings on just normal menus.”
Nonalcoholic beverages are “a safe haven,” said Jason Cambell, an executive chef for a large Florida restaurant group. “Because sobriety is a thing, even if it’s not Dry January. [Abstention] is a challenge for a lot of people and nonalcoholic beer could be a stepping stone toward larger sobriety.”
The majority of Dry January participants are young females with above-average incomes and a college degree. Many participants identify as heavy drinkers.
Those who formally registered for Dry January through programs like the Try Dry app had higher personal success rates.
“This is a very good thing since drinking alcohol is so ingrained in our society,” said study author Matthew K. Meisel, assistant professor of behavioral and social sciences at Brown.
Some participants who did not succeed drank more after the month was over, in a kind of rebound effect.
“I think the most important takeaway from our review is that taking a break from drinking can be reframed as a positive experience,” Colby said. “I tried it myself and experienced benefits firsthand.”
Dry January does have a ring to it, but anyone can reap the benefits of alcohol abstinence any month of the year.
Read Next: Why Dry January Might Be the Best Thing for You
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